23/06/2026
Between schoolwork, homework, and winding down with a game or a show, screens are an undeniable part of our kids’ daily routines. But as screen time increases, our clinical team is seeing a matching rise in digital eye strain and early short-sightedness (myopia) in tamariki.
Some screen time can be fine, but it’s important to build simple habits that protect their eyes while still fitting into modern life.
When kids focus intensely on a close-up screen, their eye focusing muscles stay locked in a near position, and their blink rate can drop by up to 60%. Over time, this can lead to dry, itchy eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.
A few small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Encourage regular breaks, every 20 minutes, looking at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds (out the window works well). This gives the focusing muscles a chance to reset.
- Rather than strict policing, help kids become aware of how close they hold devices. A simple guide is elbow to wrist length, if it’s closer than that, it’s a good cue to move it back.
- Aim for 1–2 hours outside each day where possible. Natural daylight and distance focusing are both strongly linked with reduced risk of developing myopia.
- Screens in bedrooms at night can quietly affect sleep quality. Blue light can suppress melatonin, making it harder for the brain to switch into deep rest. A screen-free wind-down space helps support better sleep habits overall.